Low NO/sub x/ thermophotovoltaic generator

Fiber matrix burners incorporating "superemissive" ceramic materials were tested to obtain the relationship between power generation and the pollutant emissions. The tested variables were the following: equivalence ratio, fuel input, and inlet air temperature. One important objective was to achieve maximum efficiency of electricity generation at the lowest level of NO/sub x/ emissions. It was found that NO/sub x/ emission under these specific conditions does not depend on inlet air temperature in the ranges from 20 to 200/spl deg/C. This phenomena suggests that "thermal NO/sub x/" is not a significant contributor of NO/sub x/ emission in these types of burners. The test data indicate that the thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power output increased by a factor of 2 by increasing the combustion temperature while the NO/sub x/ emissions were stable. The result of these findings is that high efficiency, low polluting TPV-power generation is feasible. The basic technology responsible for the low NO/sub x/ emission and the electric power generation is being further developed for use in high-efficiency appliances, generators, and total energy systems.